ARLINGTON, Texas – After a dominant season that saw Utah Valley University claim the outright WAC regular-season championship, the Wolverines have cleaned up in conference postseason honors, with Dominick Nelson earning WAC Player of the Year, Carter Welling being named WAC Defensive Player of the Year, and Todd Phillips selected as WAC Coach of the Year, the league announced Monday.

Nelson becomes just the third player in program history to be named WAC Player of the Year, joining Jake Toolson (2018-19) and Fardaws Aimaq (2020-21). Welling extends Utah Valley's dominance in the WAC Defensive Player of the Year category, becoming the fourth Wolverine in five years to win the award, following Fardaws Aimaq (2020-21, 2021-22) and Aziz Bandaogo (2022-23).

Phillips, in just his second season, becomes the third Utah Valley head coach to earn WAC Coach of the Year honors, following Dick Hunsaker (2013-14) and Mark Madsen (2022-23).

In addition to the major awards, Nelson was named to the All-WAC First Team, Tanner Toolson and Carter Welling earned All-WAC Second Team honors, with Welling also landing on the WAC All-Defensive Team. Jackson Holcombe rounded out the Wolverines' selections with a WAC All-Freshman Team nod.

WAC Player of the Year, All-WAC First Team: Dominick Nelson

Nelson was the offensive engine for Utah Valley this season, leading the Wolverines in scoring with 15.5 points per game while also serving as one of the conference's most reliable free-throw shooters. He ranked No. 1 in the WAC in free throws made (151) and free throws attempted (216), while ranking third in scoring (465 total points). His ability to get to the line and convert was crucial in UVU's success, as he ranks 31st nationally in free throws made.

Nelson's ability to step up in big moments was evident in UVU's late-season push, including his 25-point performance at Tarleton State, where he went 13-of-16 from the free-throw line to help secure the outright WAC title. He also had seven games with 20 or more points.

Carter Welling: WAC Defensive Player of the Year, All-WAC Second Team, and All-Defensive Team

Welling anchored one of the top defenses in the conference, using his shot-blocking ability and rebounding to control the paint. He finished second in the WAC in blocks per game (1.89) and total blocks (53), ranking 30th nationally. He was also a force on the boards, averaging 6.0 rebounds per game, including several dominant performances such as his nine-rebound game at Idaho State and his double-digit rebounding efforts in WAC play.

His defensive presence helped UVU rank No. 3 nationally in blocks per game (6.0) and No. 1 in the WAC in defensive rebounds per game (27.3). His ability to alter shots and shut down opposing big men played a major role in Utah Valley's stifling defense, which held opponents to just 41.5% shooting, second-best in the WAC. On the offensive end, Welling contributed 12.7 points per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. His ability to stretch the floor was a valuable asset, as he knocked down 24 three-pointers at a 33.8% clip. Welling also showcased his versatility with several double-digit scoring efforts, including a season-high 24 points at Seattle U.

Todd Phillips: WAC Coach of the Year

In just his second year leading the program, Phillips orchestrated a masterful season, guiding Utah Valley to a 23-7 overall record, a 15-1 mark in WAC play, and an outright regular season title. The Wolverines were one of the hottest teams in the country down the stretch, winning 18 of their last 19 games. His team holds the nation's ninth-longest win streak at eight straight games. He also led the Wolverines to their first-ever perfect record at home as the team finished the season with a perfect 12-0 record at the UCCU Center this past year. 

Phillips built a balanced, defensive-minded squad that excelled in several key areas, including ranking No. 1 in the WAC in winning percentage (76.7%), assist-to-turnover ratio (1.32), and assists per game (15.9). His team's ability to defend and rebound at an elite level also set the tone, as UVU led the WAC in rebounding margin (+4.8) and defensive rebounding (27.27).

Phillips joins an exclusive list of Utah Valley head coaches to win WAC Coach of the Year, following Dick Hunsaker (2013-14) and Mark Madsen (2022-23).

Tanner Toolson: All-WAC Second Team

Toolson provided UVU with consistent scoring on the wing, averaging 12.5 points per game while shooting 34.3% from three-point range. He was one of the team's best perimeter scorers, ranking third in the WAC in three-pointers made (57).

Toolson's ability to score in multiple ways made him a matchup nightmare for defenses. He had back-to-back 24-point performances in February, including a five-three-pointer game against Tarleton State, and also recorded seven games with at least 15 points.

Jackson Holcombe: WAC All-Freshman Team

Holcombe emerged as a key rotational player for UVU in his first collegiate season, bringing energy and efficiency off the bench. He shot an impressive 57.7% from the field, showing his ability to finish at the rim and make high-percentage plays.

Holcombe's best performance came in a 12-point, seven-rebound game against Idaho State, where he displayed his all-around potential. He finished regular season play averaging 5.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, while also contributing on the defensive end with 19 blocks and 17 steals.

Next Up: WAC Tournament in Las Vegas

With the No. 1 seed in the WAC Tournament, Utah Valley will begin its quest for an NCAA Tournament berth on Wednesday, March 12, in the quarterfinals at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.

The Wolverines will face the winner of the No. 8 Southern Utah vs. No. 9 Utah Tech first-round matchup at 6 p.m. PT (ESPN+). A win would send UVU to the semifinals on Friday, March 14, with the championship game set for Saturday, March 15, at 8:40 p.m. PT on ESPN2.


2024-25 WAC Men's Basketball Awards (as voted by the conference's head coaches)

WAC Player of the Year: Dominick Nelson, G, Utah Valley
WAC Defensive Player of the Year: Carter Welling, F, Utah Valley
WAC Freshman of the Year: Keitenn Bristow, F, Tarleton State
WAC Sixth Player of the Year: Lök Wur, F, Grand Canyon
WAC Coach of the Year: Todd Phillips, Utah Valley

WAC All-Conference First Team

• Dominique Daniels Jr., G, California Baptist
• JaKobe Coles, F, Grand Canyon
• Tyon Grant-Foster, G, Grand Canyon
• Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe, F, Seattle U
• Dominick Nelson, G, Utah Valley

WAC All-Conference Second Team

• Duke Brennan, F, Grand Canyon
• Jamir Simpson, G/F, Southern Utah
• Lance Ware, F, UT Arlington
• Tanner Toolson, G, Utah Valley
• Carter Welling, F, Utah Valley

WAC All-Defensive Team

• Duke Brennan, F, Grand Canyon
• Collin Moore, G, Grand Canyon
• Maleek Arrington, G, Seattle U
• Lance Ware, F, UT Arlington
• Carter Welling, F, Utah Valley

WAC All-Freshman Team

• Dontrez Williams, G, Abilene Christian
• Bradey Henige, F, California Baptist
• Keitenn Bristow, G, Tarleton State
• Madiba Owona, G, Utah Tech
• Jackson Holcombe, F, Utah Valley